Latest news with #Ranu
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Business Standard
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Sebi cracks down on 'pump and dump': How it works, what you should do
India's market regulator Sebi is cracking down on 'pump and dump' scams, a type of securities fraud that's been gaining ground on social media and messaging apps for a while now. Sebi has conducted multiple search and seizure operations in June 2025 and uncovered 'incriminating evidence' related to such schemes. Investigations are ongoing. But what exactly are these scams? How do they work, and what can retail investors do to avoid falling into the trap? What is a pump and dump scam? In a pump and dump operation, fraudsters artificially inflate the price of a stock by spreading misleading or false information, creating a frenzy among unsuspecting retail investors. Once prices rise, the scammers offload their own holdings at a profit, causing prices to crash and leaving other investors with heavy losses. 'These scams often target low-liquidity, penny stocks,' said Tomu Francis, partner at Khaitan & Co. 'The tell-tale signs are sudden price spikes and trading volumes with no corresponding change in fundamentals.' How social media fuels the scam Social media has become the modern-day playground for market manipulators. 'Platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and even Instagram are misused to spread fake testimonials, insider tips, and coordinated hype,' said Diviay Chadha, partner at Singhania & Co. He noted that many of these schemes masquerade as legitimate advice, often luring investors with promises of 'guaranteed returns.' 'The speed and reach of these platforms enable manipulators to trigger FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), which leads to impulsive buying by retail investors,' added Kunal Sharma, founder of Taraksh Lawyers & Consultants, as that viral content lacks any regulatory screening. Red flags to watch out for According to Amar Ranu, head of Investment Products at Anand Rathi, pump and dump scams tend to follow a pattern: -Unrealistic 'get-rich-quick' claims -Heavy focus on obscure or penny stocks -Vague business models with little public info -Insider selling or sudden share issuance -Aggressive marketing on unknown forums 'High growth rates without fundamental backing should be your first red flag,' Ranu cautioned. Sharma stressed the importance of sticking to Sebi-registered advisers and verifying all stock tips with official disclosures. What if you're already caught in one? If you've already invested, experts suggest halting further transactions immediately. 'Preserve all messages, screenshots, emails, and transaction data,' advised Ranu. 'File a complaint through Sebi's SCORES portal and alert your broker.' Sharma added that consulting a legal expert and registered investment adviser is wise, especially if large sums are involved. Sebi's role and recourse for investors Sebi uses advanced AI and surveillance systems to track abnormal trading patterns. 'They can impose penalties, freeze assets, and suspend trading of the stock under question,' said Francis. While full recovery of funds isn't guaranteed, Sebi does facilitate redressal through SCORES and can order disgorgement of profits made through manipulation. 'In grave cases, Sebi can even refer matters to agencies like the CBI or Economic Offences Wing for prosecution,' Sharma noted. Bottom line Pump and dump scams aren't new, but they're evolving. The best defence is a well-informed investor. Do your own research, stay away from unverified stock tips, and always check if your adviser is Sebi-registered. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
No home loan deductions in new tax regime: Why prepayment makes sense & how it can help you save on interest outgo
Home loan tax benefits : With key tax incentives not available under the new income tax regime, many loan borrowers are reassessing home loan repayment strategies. Many borrowers are now favouring early prepayments to cut interest outgo and loan tenure. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The old tax regime allows borrowers to claim deductions of Rs 2 lakh on interest under Section 24(b) and Rs 1.5 lakh on principal under Section 80C. The new income tax regime doesn't have these benefits, reducing the incentive to maintain long-term loans. 'While earlier tax deductions justified holding on to loans, the new tax structure weakens that logic as the cost has gone up,' said Amar Ranu, Head–Investment Product & Insights at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, according to an ET report. Benefits of prepaying home loans Prepaying a home loan, especially in the early years, significantly reduces interest payments because EMIs are front-loaded—meaning most of the initial outgo covers interest. For instance, on a Rs 50 lakh loan at 8.5% for 20 years, borrowers would pay over Rs 48 lakh in interest. A Rs 5 lakh prepayment in the third year could shorten the tenure by 3–4 years and save up to Rs 12 lakh in interest, according to the ET analysis. When lump sum prepayments are not feasible, increasing EMIs gradually as income rises is an effective alternative. A 10% annual EMI increase can cut the loan term to under 10 years, while a 5% rise can bring it down to 12–13 years. Annual Increase in EMI Interest Saved (Rs lakh) EMIs Saved 5% 16.1 80 10% 22.2 109 15% 25.6 125 20% 27.9 136 Source: ET report A dual strategy of periodic prepayments and stepped-up EMIs yields maximum savings. This disciplined approach doesn't necessarily demand big sacrifices. Redirecting bonuses, maturing fixed deposits, life insurance proceeds, or funds from low-yield assets can help build a prepayment pool. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Prepaying 5% of the loan every year is a sensible and manageable target,' said Ranu. While early repayment yields the most savings, it becomes less effective in later stages of the loan. Borrowers in the final years may be better off continuing with the loan—particularly if the interest rate is low or they have access to investments offering higher returns. 'Prepaying your loan is like saving money at the same rate as your loan interest. So, if your home loan rate is 8.5%, every rupee you prepay helps you avoid paying 8.5% interest on it, which is as good as getting a risk-free return of 8.5%,' said Vipul Patel, Founder of in the ET report. Experts also advise checking for hidden charges before prepaying, maintaining adequate emergency funds, and ensuring liquidity before committing excess cash to loan repayment. While markets may offer higher returns, prepayment guarantees fixed savings and peace of mind.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jewellery, cash, cartridges stolen from Bhojpuri singer-actor Pawan Singh's house in Ara
Ara: A theft of jewellery worth Rs 15 lakh, Rs 15,000 in cash and 30 live cartridges of a licensed rifle took place at Bhojpuri singer and actor Pawan Singh 's house in Ara Town police station area of Bhojpur district in the early hours of Tuesday. According to a written complaint lodged by Singh's elder brother, Ranu, with the Ara Town police, the thieves, however, left behind the licensed rifle. Ranu said the thieves broke into the house by breaking a backside window. The thieves stole four gold chains, mangalsutra, bracelets, earrings and other ornaments among other things, he added. You Can Also Check: Patna AQI | Weather in Patna | Bank Holidays in Patna | Public Holidays in Patna Singh, who is busy with his film shootings in Lucknow, talked to the Bhojpur superintendent of police (SP) over phone regarding the matter. "Both the Bhojpur SP and Town station house officer have assured him that the thieves will be arrested and the stolen items will be recovered,' said the elder brother. Ara Town police station SHO Devraj Rai said that the FSL team and dog squad have been called to assist them in probe. The police are also examining the CCTV camera footage to nab the thieves, said the SHO.
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Miss Indonesia wins talent round in Miss World 2025
HYDERABAD: The highly anticipated talent finale of the Miss World 2025 Contestants set the stage on fire at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Thursday, captivating the audience with their vibrant performances. Kicking off the event, Miss United States delivered a mesmerising song and dance, using feathers as a prop. Miss Nigeria followed with an electrifying Indo-Afro dance titled Unity in Motion. She moved to the iconic tunes of Ranu and Waka Waka, dedicating her performance to her late mother, whom she lost at the age of two. Dressed in a stunning blue glittering gown, Miss Malta enchanted the crowd with her rendition of The Song of Hope. Next, Miss Indonesia showcased her piano skills, performing an original piece titled Your Golden Hour. The audience erupted in cheers as Miss Estonia took the stage with a dynamic hip-hop cheerleader dance. As anticipation grew, Miss Brazil, adorned in an elegant white gown, performed a heartfelt song, Memories, captivating the audience. Miss Netherlands presented a visually stunning ice-skating act. Miss Czech Republic then delivered a soulful piano performance of the beloved My Heart Will Go On from Titanic, earning applause. Miss Argentina dazzled with a dance medley, seamlessly changing costumes mid-performance. Miss Australia's rendition of Hallelujah left the audience in awe of her powerful voice. Miss Sri Lanka followed, performing a traditional dance in a costume designed by her mother, overcoming a recent injury to deliver a graceful act. Miss Cameroon's stirring performance of Goodness of God reflected her deep-rooted faith, while Miss Poland showcased a traditional dance celebrating her country's heritage. Miss Philippines enthralled with a melodic song, followed by Miss Italy, whose magical ballet performance shone despite a year-old ankle injury. Miss Trinidad and Tobago amazed the crowd with a breathtaking aerial act. Inspired by her mother, Miss Germany performed a moving piano piece. Miss Cayman Islands sang Tomorrow, a well-known anthem dedicated to those battling anxiety, with her fellow contestants cheering her on. Miss Wales creatively presented a CPR demonstration set to music, raising awareness about cardiac arrest in a lighthearted yet impactful act.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Time of India
Jewellery worth 3L stolen from woman
Khargone: Jewellery worth Rs 3 lakh was stolen on Monday from a woman's bag while she was returning home from Sarafa Bazar in Khargone district headquarters. The police have expressed suspicion on women from the Kadia Sasi gang of the Rajgarh superintendent of police of Khargone, Narendra Singh Rawat, said that an investigation has started into the theft of jewellery worth about Rs 3 lakh from the bag of Ranu alias Lalita Verma of Indira Nagar mentioned that the woman came to Sarafa Bazar with her mother and daughter to get her jewellery repaired. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While returning, the box of jewellery was found missing from her stated that as soon as the incident was reported, the police began an inquiry and examined the CCTV cameras in the area. He noted that two women were following Ranu alias Lalita, and after committing the crime, they fled first in an e-rickshaw and then in a ASP said that the car in which they escaped has also been used in two other crimes earlier. He mentioned that this crime was probably committed by the of the Rajgarh area. He assured that the accused will be arrested soon.
